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One in two baby boomers feels like they’re parenting their parents – with age 50 the time when this “role reversal” is most likely to strike, according to new research.

A new study examined how baby boomers negotiate the struggles of taking care of their parents while still living their own lives – focusing on their work, children and worrying about their own post-retirement plans.

Thirty-six percent of boomers report being unprepared for this parenting “role reversal,” wherein they start taking care of their parents more than the other way around.

SWNS

Feeling unequipped to handle this switch in the parenting dynamic comes in part due to concerns over the financial costs (41 percent), worry over their ability to provide part- or full-time care for their parents (38 percent) and not living close to them (32 percent).

So what prompts this role reversal? Respondents report beginning to take care of their parents because “one of them died,” “they needed a little help with bills” or due to “chronic health issues setting in.”

But the pressure that comes with feeling responsible for your own parents clearly takes a toll. Results showed that the average boomer spends 17 hours a week worrying about an elderly parent.

For baby boomers involved in their parents’ care, just over half (51 percent) have a plan in place, yet nearly a quarter don’t feel they have enough information about their options.

The survey of 2,000 baby boomers, commissioned by Capital Senior Living and conducted by OnePoll, found that the most important things when creating a plan – both for baby boomers and their parents – are their parents’ happiness with the decision, access to good medical care and proximity to each other.

SWNS

With the average boomer amassing nearly 17 hours of worrying about their parents, how does this manifest? Top worries included concerns about their parents staying active (39 percent), feeling isolated (39 percent) and keeping up with medications (38 percent).

Other worries include one parent living alone in their current home (37 percent) and staying social (26 percent).

To combat these concerns, 19 percent say their parents live at home with help, and 12 percent report their parents live in a senior living community.

Still, despite 81 percent seeing benefits to a senior living community, 47 percent say their parents live in their own home without help.

“Aging at home not only worries loved ones but actually puts that individual’s physical and mental health at risk. Today, there are options for seniors who still want to remain independent while putting their loved ones’ minds at ease and protecting their own well-being for longer,” said Brett Lee, Chief Operations Officer of Capital Senior Living.

SWNS

The research revealed boomers should be planning for their own futures though, as they report feeling less prepared to handle their own aging than their parents.

They report being most worried about being a burden (52 percent), managing their health (49 percent) and staying active (42 percent).

But while only 31 percent have a plan for their future living situation and care, there is good news – 79 percent of boomers have thought more about their own aging since taking care of their parents, giving them an opportunity to learn about their options and prepare.

“The best thing people can do when planning their own or their parents’ care is actually visiting communities in person, added Lee, Chief Operations Officer of Capital Senior Living. “Talk with people there who understand the concerns that come with aging and consider options that allow independent seniors to still enjoy their independence, while still providing that safety net.”